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The secret weapon of IVF: How to accurately retrieve eggs from the ovaries?
With the advancement of science and technology, IVF technology has become increasingly mature, and one of the key steps is egg retrieval. This technology is called transvaginal egg retrieval (TVOR), which not only plays a vital role in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process, but is also widely used in other assisted reproductive technologies such as egg donation and egg cryopreservation. The accuracy of this process is extremely important because any mistakes may affect the final pregnancy result.
Detailed introduction to the process
Transvaginal egg retrieval is usually performed under ultrasound guidance. The specific steps are as follows:
The operator inserts a 16.5-gauge needle with a diameter of approximately 11.8 inches through the vaginal wall and precisely penetrates the follicles of the ovaries, which requires them to be careful not to damage surrounding organs and blood vessels.
The other end of the needle is connected to a suction device. Once inside the follicle, the operator carefully applies suction to extract the follicular fluid containing the eggs. This process requires maintaining a pressure of -140 mmHg to quickly extract eggs without damaging the follicles, and maintaining a temperature of approximately 37°C.
The follicular fluid will be sent to an IVF laboratory, where technicians will identify and count the eggs under a microscope. Under normal circumstances, in one operation, the doctor may remove 20 eggs, because usually the patient will receive ovulation induction treatment in advance. The entire egg retrieval process lasts approximately 10 to 20 minutes.
Auxiliary program
During this process, some auxiliary procedures may also be performed, such as follicle flushing. However, some studies have shown that follicular irrigation does not increase pregnancy rates or egg production, but it can significantly lengthen the procedure and require more pain medication.
There is evidence that pregnancy rates increase significantly when patients are exposed to semen during egg retrieval.
Timing
Transvaginal egg retrieval is usually performed after ovarian hyperstimulation. When the ovarian follicles reach a certain stage of development, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is usually injected to induce the final maturation of the eggs. TVOR is usually performed 34 to 36 hours after hCG injection, when the eggs are fully mature but the follicles have not yet ruptured.
Potential complications
Although this technology is relatively mature, there are still some risks. Injections of hCG may cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, especially in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. In addition, TVOR may cause complications such as pelvic organ damage, bleeding, and infection.
Ovarian bleeding after vaginal egg retrieval is considered a potential risk but is not often detected.
Historical background of technology
The development of transvaginal egg retrieval technology can be traced back to 1984. The first doctor to develop this technology was Pierre Dellenbach and his colleagues in France. Most early in vitro fertilization techniques relied on laparoscopy for egg retrieval.
The development of transvaginal egg retrieval technology, combined with the improvement of modern medical technology, has brought hope to countless families. However, the safety and long-term impact of this technology on patients still need more research to evaluate. In the future, with further development of technology, this process may become safer and more effective. Are you also curious about the future of these technologies?
